French striking mantel clock by Pons De Paul. Ormolu and bronzed case, French empire period, circa 1820.
A fine quality, small and attractive, early 19th century table clock.
Stock No: 14506
The 8 day, circular plated 'Movement de Paris', with solid Anchor Recoil escapement pallets, silk suspension with a light pendulum and countwheel striking the hours and halfs on a high tone and crisply resonant, rear-mounted bell. The backplate has the iconic stamp of "Pons".
Behind a 3 1/4" gilded dial plate with outer divided minute track encompassing black Roman hour numerals. The top has a Brocot regulation peg protruding through it and the centre has an applied cast ormolu rosette of a central rose with acanthus plants emanating from it. The lower portion of the dial plate has the retailer's name of "Picnot. Aine Rue Vivienne No. 19". The heavily adorned cast ormolu surround depicts a circular garland of wrapped flowers and also, the blued steel matching hands are of Breguet 'open moon' style. The removable bezel has a ribbed edge and a 'snapped-in' bowed and bevelled glass.
Contained in a rectangular, cold patinated, bronzed case with matt ormolu mounts to match the dial. The top carries a finely cast and ornate font that is held aloft by 3 swans upon a circular base. Above the dial is a corniche moulding of egg-and-dart and beading. Below the dial is a larger, ogee style moulding depicting acanthus leaf design in the Grecian format. The plinth sits upon 4 scrolled feet. The rear of the case has a circular opening with a bronzed movement retaining ring. The whole style is taken from classical Grecian style and is extremely well executed.
It should be noted that the clock can be used either with or without its bezel as a matter of choice.
Dimensions: 12 1/4" high x 5 1/4" wide x 4 1/2" deep.
Circa: 1820 (Charles X period).
Condition: The cosmetic finish is extremely good and retains almost all of the original matt
fire gilding and bronzing to the case. The movement is also in very good condition
but the price includes a full strip and service. The clock is undamaged and totally
original.
Price: £2,950 fully guaranteed - as new, even thought it's over 200 years old!
